Authorities in Fairfax County, Virginia, arrested 23-year-old Marvin Morales-Ortez Wednesday after he allegedly fatally shot a man inside a Reston home, police confirmed.
Morales-Ortez, an illegal alien from El Salvador, had recently been released from custody despite an active U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer and a history of multiple charges. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting occurred at a residence on Fan Shell Court. Morales-Ortez reportedly fled the scene before a coordinated manhunt involving K9 units, drones and patrol officers led to his capture.
ICE officials noted that since 2020, Morales-Ortez had faced at least seven criminal charges in Fairfax County, ranging from assault to firearm violations.
According to The Daily Caller, court records show Morales-Ortez faced allegations including assault causing injury, brandishing a firearm and assaulting law enforcement between 2023 and 2025.
A 2021 first-degree murder charge was later dropped after another individual was convicted. His only conviction was for a June 2024 theft charge, carrying a $300 fine that remained unpaid.
ICE criticized Fairfax County for releasing Morales-Ortez, suggesting the tragedy could have been prevented if the detainer had been honored.
“Fairfax County failed the victim by refusing to work with ICE and releasing this criminal alien onto Virginia streets instead of safely into ICE custody,” an ICE spokesperson told the outlet.
The agency has repeatedly warned that local noncompliance with federal detainers can lead to serious public safety consequences.
Following his release Tuesday, the local Community Services Board obtained an Emergency Custody Order (ECO) due to concerns over Morales-Ortez’s mental health and potential danger to others.
Such orders are designed to temporarily place individuals in protective custody when they are deemed a threat to themselves or the public.
Officers attempted to locate him at his registered residence, but the eight-hour order expired before he could be taken into custody.
Police reported that Morales-Ortez initially fled on a bicycle and then continued on foot. Authorities were alerted to gunfire by a 9-1-1 call, and residents provided identifying information that helped lead to his arrest, 7News reports.
Morales-Ortez now faces a second-degree murder charge. Court records do not list an attorney for him in the current case.
Critics say Morales-Ortez’s release highlights systemic failures in Fairfax County’s handling of defendants with serious criminal histories.
Sean Kennedy, founder of Virginians For Safe Communities, called the release “an ongoing failure of this office,” asserting that authorities ignored clear risks to public safety.
Residents in the neighborhood expressed shock and concern over the shooting, with some questioning whether stronger coordination with federal authorities could have prevented the incident.
The case underscores tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local jurisdictions, particularly in cases involving defendants with complex criminal and mental health histories.
Fairfax County officials have not publicly commented on Morales-Ortez’s release prior to the alleged homicide.
The Reston shooting raises broader concerns about public safety and coordination with federal authorities in cases involving illegal aliens with prior criminal records.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate and urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and cooperate with authorities to prevent further incidents.
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